One year after winning the inaugural edition of the race, Thor Hushovd returns to the Arctic Race of Norway as the defending champion. The Norwegian will lead a five-rider BMC team in a race that has become significantly harder.

Defending Arctic Race of Norway champion Thor Hushovd will compete in his country's race for the final time when the BMC Racing Team begins the race Thursday.

Hushovd won two stages en route to the overall title last year in the inaugural edition of the event billed as the "northern-most professional cycling race in the world." The past world road champion announced in June that this will be his last season. Stagiaires Luke Davison and Loïc Vliegen join him on the BMC Racing Team's five-rider roster for the four-day race.

Riders:
Luke Davison (AUS), Thor Hushovd (NOR), Sebastian Lander (DEN), Amaël Moinard (FRA), Loïc Vliegen (BEL).